Ok someone said that to pray for something you have to worship God and come into his presence, and THEN you can pray. But its just not working out. Is this true for intersessory prayer, praying for people who are on their way to hell? Can't I just go and pray for them? And another thing is I've tried so hard to prayer cause I've been so stressed out and spent so much time doing it that its kind of turning into well practiced repetitions. This really sucks.
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- Thread starter Seonta
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Pray, pray, pray. Worship is a good way to get your heart turned to God, but it isn't necessary for prayer. Pray at all times, without ceasing. Pray in season and out of season. Pray believing, and do not get discouraged or stressed out. Part of prayer is leaving the request in God's Hands and let Him do His work.
Matthew 6:5-8 NKJV
5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."
Luke 18:1-8 NKJV
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' " 6 Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Romans 8:26 NKJV
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
James 5:13-16 NKJV
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Matthew 6:5-8 NKJV
5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."
Luke 18:1-8 NKJV
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' " 6 Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Romans 8:26 NKJV
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
James 5:13-16 NKJV
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
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tuke
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I think I can empathize with your frustration.
I think it depends on the situation.
In cases of desperation or emergency, God's honor is in delivering you to a place of security, then gratitude and thanksgiving should follow. Psalm L.15
However, in on-going/long term needs, I find it's better to begin my prayer by acknowledging God's sovereignty and omnicient discretion, and my submission, devotion, love and humility. This helps us to avoid bitterness or resentment against God in case He says "no" (His sovereignty and discretion). Sometimes, though, we don't know how or what to pray. God understands this. I would just be quiet and let Him pray. Romans VIII.26-28
If your prayers seem like vain repetitions, I think the second case applies to you. If you're stressed, worship and praise are just the thing. Philippians IV.6-8, Psalm L.23 and I Thessalonians V.17
Hebrews IV.13-16
Mark XIV.36
Abba Father is always concerned with our priorities, but His priority should usually precede ours. Jesus is the Father's priority. Jesus is the answer for every problem and He's worthy of our praise, patience and trust. Matthew VI.33
Bless you.
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It is not about rules and regulations...let the Holy Spirit guide you in what is right for you. It is about your relationship with God not whether or not you can adhere to someone else's formular ... God bless
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Adammi
A Nicene Christian not in CF's Xians Only Club
You are always in God's presence whether you are praying, watching TV, washing your clothes, or taking the trash out. God is omnipresent. To say that you can exit God's absence and enter God's presence is a common misconception that I don't think that anyone would actually believe if they thought it through.
For your prayer life I recommend: Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection
For your prayer life I recommend: Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection
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Solidlyhere
Well-Known Member
The OP said: "someone said that to pray for something you have to worship God and come into his presence, and THEN you can pray."
This person is not correct.
When a person is just learning to believe, it is VERY un-likely that he will be able to push himself into God's presence. So he prays anyway. This is good.
Prayer is good whether (or not) you actually feel close to God.
In fact, when you are feeling "distant" from God, that is a GREAT time to pray to God (so you can feel closer).
This person is not correct.
When a person is just learning to believe, it is VERY un-likely that he will be able to push himself into God's presence. So he prays anyway. This is good.
Prayer is good whether (or not) you actually feel close to God.
In fact, when you are feeling "distant" from God, that is a GREAT time to pray to God (so you can feel closer).
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D
Dave01
Guest
Benny Hinn does teach this method, and it is not easy to master.
Our best way of praying as Pentecostals is by tongues. It handles things we don't see coming our way. Get into the practice of praying in the spirit instantly, whenever The Spirit prompts you. Also, try to stay in this type of prayer for long periods. See how long you can pray for. Start averaging hours a day in this type of prayer.
The contemplative prayer, or what is called centering prayer is similar to what Benny was teaching. What you do is put on a CD of soft worship music and sit somewhere waiting upon The Lord. I tend to hum some of the music at times, and find The Holy Spirit lifting my hands in worship, but for the most part, you are being quiet and trying to bring yourself into His presence little by little. It requires a dedication that most don't have. The whole idea revolves around the scripture that says "Be still and know that I am GOD."
If you can get this mastered, you will find yourself in the direct presence of GOD at times. It takes effort, but it can be worth it to have that love of His pouring through you on regular basis.
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bithiah2
Jah is my strength and song!
hia good book to read on prayer is Effective Prayer Life by Chuck Smith, it is easy to read and inexpensive.
prayer is not as difficult as people make it. i believe that it is a trick of the enemy to get us to think so much about WHAT we are doing, than to just DO it. the disciples asked Christ how to pray, and He told them how (The Lord's prayer) which is an example of one way to pray. the Bible says to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians) so we can always pray for others at anytime. we are supposed to worship God, but worship has a whole lot more to do with how well we live, than how well we pray. prayer is part of worship, worship is part of prayer. they are not separate activities. when i pass a car accident, i pray for the people involved, that God would have mercy on them, spare their lives, give them another chance.
we do ask God to forgive us when we pray, so i understand your question. but the Bible says that God has not given us the spirit of bondage, but one where we can call on him at anytime. (Romans) so feel free to go to God in the Name of Jesus, pray for others, pray for yourself, and watch God work it out for you and for them.
may i offer a prayer?
Lord Jesus look on Seonta, you see her desire to learn how to pray and offer the prayers that are acceptable to you. we thank you for giving her a praying spirit, and a heart that seeks after you. teach her how to pray the prayers that avail much, let her pray the prayers of failth that will move mountains, let her pray according to your word and see the results of her prayers in the lives of others, as well as her own. God we thank you for opening doors for her that no man can shut, and for shutting doors that no man can open. we thank you for wisdom and courage, and boldness to pray whenever you lead her to, and we thank you for the blessings that will come her way for being obedient to your leading In Your Name Jesus
Amen
blessings
bithiah2
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I understand what you're saying especially about the repetitions. A few years ago, a Christian speaker said the Lord had told her to not ask for anything for a month. When I applied that to my life, I realized that there wasn't much to my prayers besides "my list which included intercession - but still my list." I was really upset with myself and I started researching about prayer, praise and worship.
To me, there's the prayers - see a vehicle accident, items on the news, etc. just quickly calling on our Lord Jesus Christ. There's also the praise - thanks for this day, etc.
Then there's uninterrupted prayer and worship time. This falls more into the patterns/models established by the prayers and worship at the tabernacles and the Lord's prayer - Praise came first.
Intercession yes! such as "Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers ..." When we praise (Psalm 100:4)," the focus is more on our heavenly Father.
To me, there's the prayers - see a vehicle accident, items on the news, etc. just quickly calling on our Lord Jesus Christ. There's also the praise - thanks for this day, etc.
Then there's uninterrupted prayer and worship time. This falls more into the patterns/models established by the prayers and worship at the tabernacles and the Lord's prayer - Praise came first.
Intercession yes! such as "Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers ..." When we praise (Psalm 100:4)," the focus is more on our heavenly Father.
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ub4me
Senior Veteran
TO ME THE ULTIMATE WORSHIP IS DURING PRAYER...WHEN WE LET GOD KNOW WE RECOGNIZE HIM AS GOD...THAT ALONE WE CAN DO NOTHING, THAT WE ASK FOR HIS WILL, HIS PLAN. THAT WE ARE CONVEYING TO HIM THAT WE KNOW THERE IS NO OTHER NAME BY WHICH MAN CAN BE SAVED.
NOW WE MIGHT NOT SEE IMMEDIATE RESULTS...BUT AGAIN AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP...WE TRUST.
FOR HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS....THEY ARE HIGHER.
THE BIBLE SAYS GOD'S WORD WILL NOT RETURN TO HIM VOID. IT ALSO SAYS HE HOLDS HIS WORD ABOVE HIS NAME.
SO WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR REQUEST IN CONJUNTION WITH HIS WORD...HE WILL HONER IT.
SUCH AS;
FATHER MY BROTHER AND I PRAY FOR SO-AND-SO
FATHER WE ASK THAT YOUR REVEAL YOURSELF TO THEM. TO OPEN THE EYES OF THEIR HEART LORD, SO THEY CAN CAN ACCEPT YOU AS THEIR LORD AND SAVIOR. FATHER GOD YOUR WORD SAYS IN...(MAT.18:19)THAT.....
AND RIGHT NOW WE AGREE WITH YOUR WORD.WE KNOW IT WILL NOT RETURN TO YOU VOID. AND WE THANK YOU THAT YOU WILL DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU WILL DO. WE THANK YOU THAT YOU ARE NOT A GOD THAT IS FAR OFF...BUT OMNIPRESENT, EMANUELLE, EVER WITH US. THAT WE CAN MAKE OUR REQUEST KNOWN TO YOU, AND BELIEVE AND TRUST IT IS DONE ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. WE GIVE ALL PRAISE GLORY TO YOU. AMEN
THAT IS PRAYER AND WORSHIP IN ONE.
Mat 18:19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
ALSO...ASK FOR OTHERS TO JOIN YOU IN YOUR PRAYERS...BECAUSE THE WORD ALSO SAYS..
Lev 26:8 And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.
NOW WE MIGHT NOT SEE IMMEDIATE RESULTS...BUT AGAIN AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP...WE TRUST.
FOR HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS....THEY ARE HIGHER.
THE BIBLE SAYS GOD'S WORD WILL NOT RETURN TO HIM VOID. IT ALSO SAYS HE HOLDS HIS WORD ABOVE HIS NAME.
SO WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR REQUEST IN CONJUNTION WITH HIS WORD...HE WILL HONER IT.
SUCH AS;
FATHER MY BROTHER AND I PRAY FOR SO-AND-SO
FATHER WE ASK THAT YOUR REVEAL YOURSELF TO THEM. TO OPEN THE EYES OF THEIR HEART LORD, SO THEY CAN CAN ACCEPT YOU AS THEIR LORD AND SAVIOR. FATHER GOD YOUR WORD SAYS IN...(MAT.18:19)THAT.....
AND RIGHT NOW WE AGREE WITH YOUR WORD.WE KNOW IT WILL NOT RETURN TO YOU VOID. AND WE THANK YOU THAT YOU WILL DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU WILL DO. WE THANK YOU THAT YOU ARE NOT A GOD THAT IS FAR OFF...BUT OMNIPRESENT, EMANUELLE, EVER WITH US. THAT WE CAN MAKE OUR REQUEST KNOWN TO YOU, AND BELIEVE AND TRUST IT IS DONE ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. WE GIVE ALL PRAISE GLORY TO YOU. AMEN
THAT IS PRAYER AND WORSHIP IN ONE.
Mat 18:19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
ALSO...ASK FOR OTHERS TO JOIN YOU IN YOUR PRAYERS...BECAUSE THE WORD ALSO SAYS..
Lev 26:8 And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.
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Psa 22:3 - Says God inhabits the praises of His people.
Tabernacle worship began with praise and thanksgiving - Psa 100:4
Lord's Prayer - model/pattern - begins with praising God - focusing on Him.
Goals
Tabernacle worship began with praise and thanksgiving - Psa 100:4
Lord's Prayer - model/pattern - begins with praising God - focusing on Him.
Goals
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